A bitter, quiet laugh escaped me. Linnea was likely setting a trap.
But… my eyes flickered with an idea.
“Cassius…” I lowered my gaze, my voice laced with trepidation. “Today is my birthday, and I want a gift, too.”
Clearly impatient, he urged me to hurry and change, yet he casually enquired, “What gift?”
I pointed to the file bag resting on the bedside table—inside were several thick papers, with a contract for a seaside villa on top.
“I desire that house,” I said softly, my tone resembling a reluctant plea. “The documents are all prepared; all that remains is your signature.”
As expected, Cassius didn’t refuse. A seaside villa worth a few hundred thousand dollars—a trivial gift for him, not even comparable to what he had planned for Linnea.
Linnea’s persistent calls pressed on, demanding he hurry to bring me along.
Cassius flipped directly to the last page of the documents. Without a second glance, he scribbled his signature.
Watching those familiar strokes fill the blank paper, my chest tightened, and a bitter sting welled in my eyes.
Nevertheless, I forced a faint smile and murmured, “Thank you.”
He barely registered my expression—he simply tossed the pen aside without a hint of warmth and instructed coldly, “Get changed already. Stop stalling.”
In silence, I slipped the disguised divorce agreement into my bag, masked as the property purchase document.
Then, my phone chimed. It was a text from my uncle: “The formalities are complete, the departure flight is booked, and I will personally pick you up in three days.”
Three days—just three days, and I would break free from this “cage” that had held me hostage for far too long.
And they wouldn’t deserve to know.